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Water Spirit Mask (Otojo)

Artist Ijo people (Nigerian)

Donor Dr. and Mrs. Paul A. Mansheim

CultureNigerian

Date19th century

MediumPolychromed wood

Dimensions27 1/8 x 9 1/2 x 8 in. (68.9 x 24.1 x 20.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of Renée and Paul Mansheim

Object number2012.8.6

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 110

DescriptionMeasuring 27 1/8 x 9-1/2 x 8 inches (68.9 x 24.1 x 20.3 cm) and meant to be worn on top of the head, a polychromed wood ceremonial mask in the form of the head of an animal with extended snout, flaring tusks, and circular dished ears (probably a hybridized representation of an elephant). A lesser head of similar design extending at the top and flanked by two beak-like forms (birds?) surmounted by (human?) heads, thick smoke patination with red cam wood and white ochre polychroming. Currently mounted on a metal plate with supporting metal rod.
Label TextWestern Ijo Nigeria Water Spirit Mask (Otojo), 19th Century Wood and ochres, 27 1/8 x 9 1/2 x 8 in. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA Gift of Renée and Paul Mansheim 2012.8.6 ProvenancePurchased from Lance Entwistle, Entwistle Gallery, London, by Renée and Paul Mansheim, July 17, 1999; Gift of Renée and Paul Mansheim to Chrysler Museum of Art, 2012.Published ReferencesDon Harrison, "Art Unveiled," _Coastal Virginia Magazine,_ April 2014, 52.